Garmin vs TomTom on OS X

[NameOfBeast]

Hi guys,

Question: in terms of software (loading maps etc), which has better mac support: TomTom or Garmin? (I'm assuming that in terms of actual functionality the two systems are about the same; Is that correct?)

 

[Ou grote]

TomTom's app is the same on OSX and Windows XP, I run it on both.
Don't like garmin, so no idea there.

 

[Ou grote]

Thanks. Are the TomTom maps updated on a regular basis?

You get one free update afaik. Otherwise you have to buy a new one.
They have mapshare which is free, that fixes errors and also uploads fixes made by users.

Speed cameras - you get 1 year free, thereafter you have to pay R300 or something for another year.
Mine ran out 6 months ago, but not worried about updating it. Marine1 has some tips for "free" updates, but too much effort for me.

I have had the TomTom One vers 3 for 18 months, its a nice gps, very happy so far...

 

[GreGorGy]

Garmin's software works quite well but RoadMap, which basically allows you to access your garmin maps and browse through and get A to B directions, is limited and has not been fixed in over a year. The 'doze software will print map pages and directions while with the Mac RoadMap software, you can't export or anything. So you have to take screen snapshots. Very Silly Indeed!

Can't comment on the Tom Tom Mac software.

Updates: 1 free, no free fixes, speed cameras can be loaded as a custom pois (once a week it is updated at garmap.co.za)

Garmap updates are quite pricey too - check their site for the price to update (not just the DVD price but a new license price, basically) as once you have used your free one, you need to buy more.

 

[Ou grote]

alf101, GreGorGy, thanks! Looks like TomTom then.
@alf101: which unit do you have?

TomTom One version 3 - Paid R1499 for it at Makro 18 months ago.

Bought my gf same one a few months ago for R1299, hers is a Version 4 (has better suction cup etc).
So when we go on long trips we use her one as speed cameras etc are updated, and mine as a backup.

I like a simple gps, this one doesn't have bluetooth, mp3 player, photo viewer etc - I don't need those things in a gps.
It's just a GPS.
I'll buy another one in a year or 2 instead of updating it, and use the old one as a backup.

Go do some googling first before you buy, you may want different features.

There's a free tomtom route planner over here if u want to try it out.
http://routes.tomtom.com/t/#/

 

[koffiejunkie]

If you know anything about me, you'd be aware that I haven't touched Windows in three years. But if I had to use a GPS navigation device for driving, and if (hypothetically) TomTom only supported Windows, I would would be willing to add a partition for Windows. I have had several Garmin units while on holiday or business travel, on three different continents, and I must say it's quite pathetic. In the US sent me the wrong direction so many times, I stopped using it (with 3000 miles left to drive through parts unknown) - I had better luck trusting my gut. In december I had a rental car while in CT to attend a friend's wedding. Well, despite leaving with enough time to be an hour early, I was later than the bride. Thank you Garmin. On the same trip, I decided to drive from Gansbaai (where we stopped over for few days) to Cape Agulhas, and the POS took me over gravel road after gravel road, despite setting it to avoid unpaved roads. Needless to say, I drove back on gut feeling only (I've never been in the area before) and made it back in half the time it took me to get there.

By contrast, I've had none of this nonsense with TomTom units. Sure, I've seen it missing some streets that I know are there, or taking routes that I wouldn't consider the best, but I've never had it violate my trust in the way that Garmin does just about every time I have to use one.

 

[Frankie]

I prefer the TomTom system and their standard GUI , but prefer the hardware of the Nuvi 775 which I now have.
I really like the Nuvi 7** docking style quick mount arrangement and it's slim - the things I don't like about it is the fact that it's not easy to review the suggested route and deselect certain roads, and the other odd thing is, if I set it to go to my work place (I do this most days for the traffic avoidance) when at home it will take me the shortest route, but if I set it while underway on the highway, it selects the next exit past the one I always use, which will take a good few minutes longer - just got no explanation for that.

I'm new to OSX , but found that both suppliers software compatible with OSX and Windows.

 

[DotKomrade]

I flipping HATE Garmin Roadtrip. I was so stoked when I heard there was an OS X version so I transferred everything across from my boot camp and then deleted the windows version. Aaarggh! Ever tried searching for anything in Roadtrip? No chance. Your options are to search 'near centre of screen'. WTF is that?!?

 

[GreGorGy]

I flipping HATE Garmin Roadtrip. I was so stoked when I heard there was an OS X version so I transferred everything across from my boot camp and then deleted the windows version. Aaarggh! Ever tried searching for anything in Roadtrip? No chance. Your options are to search 'near centre of screen'. WTF is that?!?

And I thought it was just me. so there's 3 things:
no export
no print
find DOES NOT work

Is the tomtom s/w better than this? Also, does navigon have mac s/w at all?

When I get my wife a GPS, it will not be garmin that much I can say.